Doctor

Edith had her six-month checkup today and I found out how much she’s grown in weight and height (a lot!). She also got her jabs, and handled them like an absolute pro — she wailed in outrage for exactly one second and then immediately accepted a small toy duck as a peace offering and dried up. She also demonstrated how good she is at kicking and sitting up and performing other feats of strength. No one asked her to do this, but she felt like showing off, I guess. Finally, she took the opportunity of being the center of attention to deliver a long, assertive lecture to her physician. She was more or less ignored, but she persevered until she had said everything she had to say (whatever that was).

I’m so proud of her. She’s so happy and confident and strong and outgoing. Before having a baby, I thought we were more or less unmolded clay coming into existence, but this is one thing that direct experience with watching a person grow has already changed my mind about. Edith is who she is, and she arrived here as herself. I won’t ever be able to claim credit for her, but I hope very much I can avoid getting in her way.